Fuel cell-based notebooks are nothing new to frequent readers of DailyTech. In early June, we reported on Toshiba's early efforts with a fuel cell notebook dock that was able to power a Portege notebook for 10 hours. In October, the company showed off an updated version of its fuel cell dock -- this time with a smaller fuel cell stack that was confined within the footprint of the host notebook.

Samsung is taking fuel cell technology for notebooks to the next level by showcasing a new DMFC (Direct Methanol Fuel Cell) dock that can power a Q35 ultraportable notebook for 8 hours a day for a full month. According to Samsung press release, the fuel cell has an energy density of 650Wh/L and total energy storage of 1,200Wh.

Samsung has also made many improvements to its fuel cell system that reduces noise levels. The new systems has noise levels comparable to current notebook computers which gives Samsung an edge over competing fuel cell designs.

Fuel cell technology has come a long way during the past year. Just last month SAIT and Samsung SDI showed off a prototype fuel cell battery charger that weighs just 5.3 ounces. Likewise, Nokia envisions that fuel cell-powered mobile phones are just a few years away.